Trade and Industry Committee Press Notice 48

Press Notice 48 - Announcing Inquiry into RDAs

SUPPORT TO BUSINESSES FROM THE REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES

The Trade and Industry Committee today announced an inquiry into the role of the Regional Development

Agencies (RDAs) in the provision of support to industries and businesses. Among other things, the Government has given the RDAs responsibility for the promotion of business efficiency and competitiveness and specific targets for increased enterprise, investment and productivity in their areas. Working within guidelines set by Central Government, RDAs have the autonomy to devise support strategies tailored to the needs of their region and the flexibility within their budgets to allocate resources accordingly. The Committee wishes to review how RDAs are using this autonomy and flexibility; the effectiveness of their services to businesses, particularly those provided to SMEs; and the interactions between the RDAs and other regionally-based organisations, such as the Small Business Service.

Anyone wishing to submit written evidence on these or any related issues should address it to The Clerk at the address above, by 5.00 pm on Friday 31 January 2003. The Committee intends to take oral evidence during February and March. Further details will be announced nearer the time.

The Committee does not intend to address the articular issue of RDA support for scientific research and development which is to be the subject of an inquiry by the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee, details of which will be announced in Mid-January 2003.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE

COMMITTEE OFFICE HOUSE OF COMMONS 7 MILLBANK LONDON SW1P 3JA

Telephone: 020 7219 5777/5778

Previous Reports and Press Notices (from 1996 onward) can be viewed on the Internet at: http://www.parliament.uk/commons/selcom/t&ihome.htm